VENDORS IN ARUA MAIN MARKET RAISE CONCERNS OVER NEW DIGITAL TAX PAYMENT SYSTEM

By Onzoma Albert
Arua City

Vendors at Arua Main Market have expressed mixed reactions regarding the introduction of a new digital tax payment system called Interswitch.
 
The vendors, led by the vendors and sector leaders at the market, raised concerns about their lack of involvement in the decision-making process and emphasized the need for market reorganization, particularly addressing persistent street vending that negatively impacts their sales.
 
They requested adequate time to understand and training on the new system before full implementation.
 
Interswitch, a leading digital payments company, proposed a system that captures vendor details—including national ID, stall and registration numbers and permits payments via mobile applications or Quick Teller agents.
 
Payments are directed to the Ministry of finance and later remitted to Arua City Council. The system is designed to automatically eliminate vendors who fail to pay taxes for three months by withdrawing and reallocating stalls.
 
Herbert Odama and other vendor leaders advised that only established, settled vendors should be required to enroll initially, to prevent chaos and ensure compliance.
 
“We have challenges and issues to be addressed in the main market but we don’t get answers to them, what is really happening” he queried. “I want to assure that when you start this new system here it will not yield any fruit my advice to you people is that go back to the ministry and inform them about the situation of Arua main market which needs a special attention before implementing such pay system,” he advised.
 
Trevor Lule, the interswitch team leader, assured vendors that their grievance redress features are embedded within the platform, allowing direct communication with the Ministry.
 
“The reason why government has decided to introduce this system is to understand what is really going on in the various markets in the country not only Arua main market, the concerns you people raised might have not reached to the relevant authorities but with this new system the vendors will be raising their issues and concerns directly to the ministry of local government for appropriate actions,” he guaranteed.
 
Vendors voiced their concerns about enforcement, unorganized street vending, and the speed of system deployment.
 
They requested a phased approach with proper training, emphasizing their desire for improved market conditions alongside the new payment system.
 
Vendors recognize the benefits of digital payments, their main concerns revolve around lack of prior consultation, fair enforcement, market reform, and sufficient training to adapt to the new system.